Jennifer Casale | Contributor

NBC has renewed “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for its 21st season, making the crime drama series “the longest-running primetime live-action show in American TV history,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Law & Order: SVU” is a spin-off of one of the current record holders, “Law & Order,” which shares its title with CBSs “Gunsmoke.” (RELATED: Law And Order: SVU Takes On Gamergate, The Way Youd Expect They Would)

Executive producer and Emmy Award-winning actress Mariska Hargitay is set to return in the new season. She stars as Lt. Olivia Benson, “the longest-running female character in a live-action primetime series,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“20 years ago we started a conversation. Were not finished. Im profoundly proud of how far weve come. Prouder still of how far we will go. We have broken this ground together,” Hargitay said.

Hargitays longtime co-star, Ice-T, also took to Instagram to share his excitement regarding the news.

“SVU has been OFFICIALLY picked up for season #21,” the actor said. “Respect to the man Dick Wolf, NBCUniversal, Mariska, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, Philip Winchester and all my past and present Cast and Crew! And definitely ALL the fans!”

“Law & Order: SVU” has aired a total of 452 original episodes throughout its 20-season run and is showing no signs of slowing down.

“We tip our cap to [creator/executive producer] Dick Wolf, Mariska Hargitay and the amazing cast aRead More – Source